Haiku teaches us the power of observation, returns us to nature,
and grounds us in the here and now.
Enjoy an artful afternoon inspired by nature, with haiku and a watercolor lesson with artist Nancy DeNicolo and her sister, New York poet Linda Miller. In this workshop, we collaborate with the natural world to make word and image art. Our process borrows with gratitude and a creative-expressive attitude from the Japanese tradition of haiga: painting and haiku. Participants will learn the basics of writing Haiku poetry, and combine their written work with beautiful watercolor techniques to create a sacred work of art inspired by our meditative walk in nature.
To begin, we will take a reflective, meditative walk in nature, finding inspiration in the forest and meadow, using all our senses on a journey of mindful connection with the sun, sky, trees, and the brilliant fall colors as the wheel of the season turns, and the Harvest Moon arrives. The harvest moon is the full moon closest to the Fall Equinox. It’s a time of gratitude when the expansive harvest energies of the year are at a luminous peak.
We will then gather upstairs in the studio to enjoy creative play with our words and colors, and shapes. In Zen style, our drawings and poetry will be simple in form and lovely snapshots of a moment in time together in community with our creative tribe of women and Mother Earth.
This class is for everyone, from experienced artists and writers to beginners. This is an enjoyable, relaxed afternoon in which you will leave with a sacred piece of haiga.
Haiku in Nature
Haiku is a simple poetic form about fleeting moments in nature or the changing seasons. The essence of the form lies in its visual intensity, painting a picture in the readers’ mind, calling our attention to an observation and a story hinted at behind the image.
Haiku teaches us the power of observation, of being present in the here and now. It also teaches us about gratitude. Focus on a tiny moment of nature, and the noise from the external world vanishes as you open your eyes—and heart—to the smallest of details, the fleeting moments and beauty in the natural world. Become aware of the feelings such moments evoke in you.
What to Bring & Expect
Please dress in warm clothes and bring boots for walking through the woods. Please bring an extra pair of warm socks or slippers to change into, as we will leave our boots in the mudroom before moving upstairs for our class. Bring anything you need to feel comfortable (change of clothes, crystals, blanket, etc.) in the space. There is a private bathroom for you to change your clothes.
Water or any personal snacks you prefer.
All supplies will be provided, but if you have a favorite sketchbook or journal, paints, and drawing tools you love, feel free to bring them.
Light nibbles and hot herbal tea will be offered.
This event will be held outdoors and indoors on a private 60-acre farm and woodlands in East Haddam. (address and directions will be emailed after registration)
This offering is open to 12 women.
$45 investment.